Racing Bulls has quietly become one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Before the championship began, the Faenza-based team was widely expected to fight near the back of the grid. Instead, after the Austrian Grand Prix, those predictions have once again been proven wrong.
For the third consecutive race weekend, both Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad finished in the points, highlighting the impressive progress made by the team. While both drivers have delivered strong performances throughout the season, it is Lawson who has arguably emerged as one of the biggest revelations of the year.
The New Zealander has been consistently quick, reliable and an excellent team player. Sitting tenth in the drivers’ championship after eight rounds, he continues to prove that he belongs in Formula 1.
Yet despite those performances, speculation is already growing about his future. Reports suggest that Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov could be promoted next season, with Lawson’s Racing Bulls seat reportedly the most likely one to become available.
Liam Lawson rediscovers the speed that impressed Formula 1
When Liam Lawson first arrived in Formula 1, he immediately caught the attention of the paddock with his speed and aggressive driving style. Over time, however, that early excitement faded.
His first full Formula 1 campaign came in 2025, but after just two races he was moved from Red Bull back to Racing Bulls following disappointing results. Last season, the driver of car number 30 showed flashes of real pace, but inconsistency and costly mistakes prevented him from delivering on his full potential.
In 2026, however, Lawson looks like a completely different driver. He has adapted brilliantly to the new generation of Formula 1 cars and, above all, to the latest tyre specifications. He has taken almost every opportunity to score points, finishing inside the top 10 in six of the opening eight races—an achievement that has received far less attention than it deserves.
There is no doubt that Racing Bulls has produced a competitive package and that its power unit has played an important role. At the same time, Lawson himself has made a significant step forward compared to previous seasons. His recent performances have been consistently outstanding, making it difficult to justify leaving him without a Formula 1 seat at the end of the year.
His relationship with the team is strong, he works well alongside teammate Arvid Lindblad, the results continue to arrive and his determination to remain in Formula 1 has never been in doubt.
Team principal dismisses the rumours, but questions remain
During the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane was asked about the growing speculation that Liam Lawson could be replaced by Nikola Tsolov next season.
Permane firmly dismissed the rumours, insisting that the topic had not even been discussed internally. At the same time, he praised the Bulgarian driver’s impressive performances in Formula 2 while pointing out that Austria was only his eighth race in the category.
Just two days later, Nikola Tsolov went on to win the Austrian Formula 2 feature race, naturally increasing the excitement surrounding Red Bull’s junior programme. It is fair to assume that this single victory did not suddenly change the team’s long-term plans, but it certainly added fuel to the speculation.
Red Bull has built its reputation on promoting exceptionally young talents into Formula 1 in the hope of discovering the next superstar. Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen remain the best-known examples, both receiving Formula 1 opportunities at a very young age. Nikola Tsolov could certainly develop into another future champion, and his performances in Formula 2 deserve plenty of recognition.
What should not be overlooked, however, is the level Liam Lawson has reached this season. His 2026 performances have been those of a driver capable of competing for a top team, and there is little to suggest he deserves to lose his place on the grid.
Racing Bulls has always been a team focused on developing young talent, but having an experienced and reliable driver can be equally valuable. Someone like Lawson can accelerate the development of younger teammates—in this case, the highly promising Arvid Lindblad—while continuing to deliver strong results for the team.
Nikola Tsolov may well deserve a Formula 1 opportunity regardless of how this season unfolds, but Liam Lawson has earned his place through outstanding performances. Results of this quality should not end with nothing more than a simple “thanks for everything.”
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